Co-Inventor
Dr. John Dunlop is a distinguished neuropharmacologist and biotechnology executive who has held senior scientific leadership roles across major pharmaceutical and biotech organizations, including AstraZeneca, Pfizer, Amgen, Neumora Therapeutics, and Aliada Therapeutics, where he served as Chief Scientific Officer.  His work focuses on developing therapies for complex neurological diseases such as ALS, Parkinson’s disease, and Alzheimer’s. Over the years, he has led numerous drug discovery programs and helped build innovative research organizations. Outside the laboratory, however, Dunlop has pursued a parallel line of research focused on applied holiday logistics and beverage optimization. In collaboration with Dr. Kaprielian, he helped establish the founding principles of Armenian Christmas: 1. Begin with Armenian bakeries. 2. Sample generously. 3. Walk between establishments to maintain experimental balance. 4. Conclude with drinks at a neighborhood institution. This protocol has proven highly reproducible and continues to be replicated annually.
Co-Inventor
Dr. Zaven Kaprielian is a veteran neuroscientist and biotech leader with more than three decades of experience in academic and industry research, including senior roles at Amgen, the Dementia Discovery Fund, and as Chief Scientific Officer at Remix Therapeutics.  Over the course of his scientific career, Zaven has helped advance research into neurodegenerative diseases and RNA-based therapeutics. When not deciphering the molecular logic of the human brain, he is known to apply similar analytical rigor to more pressing problems—such as determining the optimal sequence of Armenian bakeries to visit in Watertown. In late 2019, drawing upon decades of experimental design and an unusually strong interest in baked goods, Dr. Kaprielian co-developed the concept of “Armenian Christmas”—a pioneering holiday protocol combining Armenian pastries, cured meats, and a carefully timed transition to neighborhood bar refreshments. The resulting multi-stage culinary study has since become an annual tradition.
Office manager
Luca Giani is a venture investor at Alumni Ventures, where he works with founders building the next generation of biotech and life science companies. His professional responsibilities typically include evaluating complex technologies, analyzing investment opportunities, and occasionally explaining venture capital to people at holiday parties. Within the organizational structure of Armenian Christmas, however, Luca occupies a more modest role. As Associate Office Manager (Provisional), he is responsible for a variety of essential operational tasks including: • Confirming the bakery route • Providing occasional logistical suggestions that are politely ignored • Ensuring the group eventually reaches the bar • Documenting the evening for historical archives Although he joined the Armenian Christmas initiative after its original conception by Dr. Kaprielian and Dr. Dunlop, Luca has embraced the tradition with enthusiasm and continues to lobby—unsuccessfully—for the creation of a formal Armenian Christmas Advisory Committee. He remains optimistic that promotion within the organization may one day be possible.
A rotating lineup of Watertown stops-usually bakeries, a market, and a final bar. Walkable, snackable, repeatable.
What to try, what to buy, and what to stash for later-pastries, kebabs, and Armenian specialties that make the tradition work.
A minimalist “charter” of unofficial rules, long-running jokes, and the annual recap for anyone trying to understand what they just joined.